I have mixed emotions about this story. Back in the day when I was not so pumped about learning about doctrine, I watched at show on MTV called "The Hills." It me it was a other Orange County Girls that have not respect (a now more mature Christian view). The leading lady I guess is going to produce a Christian Album. Cool but I have some problems because I know what her show was about. Why I have mixed emotions is because hollywoodlife.com criticized her because she said , "Jesus was persecuted, and I’m going to get persecuted, ya know?" The writer of the artcule said, "She did not just compare herself to Jesus. Yes, yes, she did." The problem the editor does not seem to know is that she is right. To put that comment into just lighting, it was after an other actress claim she (Heidi) was spreading rumors about that actress having a sex tape. I guess all I can do is pray that she will become like Kirk Cameron and not do stop Hollywood stuff. You can read the assult an actress that claims to live for the lord here.
In case you are wondering how I found this story, I saw it on the homepage of the free e-mail service I use.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Can I do 31 days of posting.
I just want to try and see if I can post for the next 31 days starting July 1st. There will be no schedule posts.
I also have to admit that I have been reading the Bible like I should. Please pray that I can get back to reading. Thanks.
~mike.
I also have to admit that I have been reading the Bible like I should. Please pray that I can get back to reading. Thanks.
~mike.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Dr. MacArthur and singleness
As I said, I read 2 sermons called "Reasons for Remaining Single" by Dr. John MacArthur. Dr. MacArthur is is the preacher of Grace Community Church in LA and is also head of Grace to You Ministry. You can reach his ministry at gty.org. These sermons were both found at Grace to You website and the link to the sermons will appear at the bottom of the post.
Dr. MacArthur gave 5 points for remaining single. The points are:
Pressure of the System:
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:26 the first reason to remain single. Paul writes, "I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is "(ESV). Dr. MacArthur tells us that because of the current problems. Distress in Greek in anagken, Dr MacArthur thinks the secondary meaning of anagken, which also means violence, is a better translation. He believes that the violence was so great that Paul wanted people to remain single. MacArthur uses the example of Paul and what if Paul had a wife and kids. If Paul had a wife and kids, just think of the thoughts of them. When Paul left would the see their husband/father ever again. MacArthur stresses that this for people called to be singled. MacArthur writes, "You see in the violence of the world in which Paul lived, marriage was a terrible encumbrance to somebody who was a Christian--at least in the sense of the ministry that he had."(pg 4)
I would agree with MacArthur. Paul's ministry would have been challenged by having a wife and kids. We see what happen to Paul in Acts, just think that Jesus said that people will hate us because they hated Christ. Look at the people in Africa or South America that are killed by guerrillas and other militant groups. They are killing Christians, now just think if you had a wife and kids back home or even with you. You would be worried about them but if you are called to remain single and are advancing the kingdom that is one less problem to deal with.
Problem of the Flesh:
The second reason to remain single come is verse 28 and that reason is problems in the flesh. Verse 28 of 1 Corinthians is "But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. (ESV)" MacArthur expresses that "humanness in marriage that makes for trouble. Even though the Holy Spirit wants perfect unity, humanness creates problems."(pg 7) That is the problem, get a couple of sinners together and problems will arise, at more sinners and then you have a recipe of disaster. MacArthur also says that marriage does not solve problems, it only magnifies them. Again that is if you have the gift of singleness. MacArthur does state that the only problem marriage solves is being obedient to God's will.
Passing of the World:
Guess what, this world is going to gone soon and there is nothing you can do about. Also, there are no marriages in heaven. Paul is telling us in verses 29-31 that the end of the world in near. "This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. (ESV)" MacArthur stresses that Paul is telling the Corinthians to not get attach to the stuff that will pass away when the world ends to include marriage. Jesus tells us in Mark 12:25, "For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. (ESV)" This is Jesus' answer to the Sadducees about their question about a women marring 7 brother and which one will she marry in heaven (Mark 12:18-27). MacArthur is urging singles with the gift of singleness to not marry and deal with a worldly relationship. This also allows them to devote themselves to God.
Preoccupation of the Married:
Paul writes in verses 32 through 35, "I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. (ESV)" MacArthur writes on pg 4 of part 2, "There are certain cares that just encumber your mind when you're married. A married man must concentrate on things concerning his wife. A single unmarried, verse 32 says, cares for the things that belong to the Lord how he may please the Lord. Now this is potential, people. It doesn't mean that every single person is totally devoted to Jesus. It's just that he has the potential for that total devotion. There is an undistractedness that comes in the life of an unmarried person. He has only really one set of cares and that is his relation to the Lord. The married person has a divided set of cares, the Lord and his family." I think that explains it will enough. A single guy with me can devote much time to the Lord. I think even if some is called to be married, the time to serve the Lord is when you are single. I can pretty much go where the Lord needs me and help. MacArthur shows an example from Luke 14. It is that a married man could not follow Jesus because he was married. Marriage hinders a full devotion to God because you want to please your partner.
Permanence of the Union:
Permanence, what? Paul tells all in verses 39, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. (ESV)" A marriage lasts until one dies or the end of the world, which ever comes first. If a married person feels that he needs to be single, he must wait until his wife dies before he can do what he was called. Marriage is a long-term haul that only God separate and not be considered sin. Divorcing your wife because God wanted you to remain single in not a valid reason. In modern day vows, it is till death do us part. There no playing around when you get married. If you have the gift of singleness and are married, you have not sin but you can not divorce because of it. So before one gets married, one must figure out if he/she is called to remain single or to married.
My comments:
I learned a lot about being single. I want to stress that this is just a study and in no why do I think I have the gift of singleness. As I read more and more of the sermon, the more and more I notice that it was not my calling. I do not quite agree with Dr. MacArthur say that violence is another word for distress. But he also has study Greek and I have not so I can not say if he is right or not.
Points 1, 2, and 3 are part 1 of the 2 part series. You can read it here. Points 4 and 5 are the second part and you can get that here.
Dr. MacArthur gave 5 points for remaining single. The points are:
- Pressure of the System
- Problems of the Flesh
- Passing of the World
- Preoccupation of the Married
- Permanence of the Union
Pressure of the System:
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:26 the first reason to remain single. Paul writes, "I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is "(ESV). Dr. MacArthur tells us that because of the current problems. Distress in Greek in anagken, Dr MacArthur thinks the secondary meaning of anagken, which also means violence, is a better translation. He believes that the violence was so great that Paul wanted people to remain single. MacArthur uses the example of Paul and what if Paul had a wife and kids. If Paul had a wife and kids, just think of the thoughts of them. When Paul left would the see their husband/father ever again. MacArthur stresses that this for people called to be singled. MacArthur writes, "You see in the violence of the world in which Paul lived, marriage was a terrible encumbrance to somebody who was a Christian--at least in the sense of the ministry that he had."(pg 4)
I would agree with MacArthur. Paul's ministry would have been challenged by having a wife and kids. We see what happen to Paul in Acts, just think that Jesus said that people will hate us because they hated Christ. Look at the people in Africa or South America that are killed by guerrillas and other militant groups. They are killing Christians, now just think if you had a wife and kids back home or even with you. You would be worried about them but if you are called to remain single and are advancing the kingdom that is one less problem to deal with.
Problem of the Flesh:
The second reason to remain single come is verse 28 and that reason is problems in the flesh. Verse 28 of 1 Corinthians is "But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. (ESV)" MacArthur expresses that "humanness in marriage that makes for trouble. Even though the Holy Spirit wants perfect unity, humanness creates problems."(pg 7) That is the problem, get a couple of sinners together and problems will arise, at more sinners and then you have a recipe of disaster. MacArthur also says that marriage does not solve problems, it only magnifies them. Again that is if you have the gift of singleness. MacArthur does state that the only problem marriage solves is being obedient to God's will.
Passing of the World:
Guess what, this world is going to gone soon and there is nothing you can do about. Also, there are no marriages in heaven. Paul is telling us in verses 29-31 that the end of the world in near. "This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. (ESV)" MacArthur stresses that Paul is telling the Corinthians to not get attach to the stuff that will pass away when the world ends to include marriage. Jesus tells us in Mark 12:25, "For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. (ESV)" This is Jesus' answer to the Sadducees about their question about a women marring 7 brother and which one will she marry in heaven (Mark 12:18-27). MacArthur is urging singles with the gift of singleness to not marry and deal with a worldly relationship. This also allows them to devote themselves to God.
Preoccupation of the Married:
Paul writes in verses 32 through 35, "I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. (ESV)" MacArthur writes on pg 4 of part 2, "There are certain cares that just encumber your mind when you're married. A married man must concentrate on things concerning his wife. A single unmarried, verse 32 says, cares for the things that belong to the Lord how he may please the Lord. Now this is potential, people. It doesn't mean that every single person is totally devoted to Jesus. It's just that he has the potential for that total devotion. There is an undistractedness that comes in the life of an unmarried person. He has only really one set of cares and that is his relation to the Lord. The married person has a divided set of cares, the Lord and his family." I think that explains it will enough. A single guy with me can devote much time to the Lord. I think even if some is called to be married, the time to serve the Lord is when you are single. I can pretty much go where the Lord needs me and help. MacArthur shows an example from Luke 14. It is that a married man could not follow Jesus because he was married. Marriage hinders a full devotion to God because you want to please your partner.
Permanence of the Union:
Permanence, what? Paul tells all in verses 39, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. (ESV)" A marriage lasts until one dies or the end of the world, which ever comes first. If a married person feels that he needs to be single, he must wait until his wife dies before he can do what he was called. Marriage is a long-term haul that only God separate and not be considered sin. Divorcing your wife because God wanted you to remain single in not a valid reason. In modern day vows, it is till death do us part. There no playing around when you get married. If you have the gift of singleness and are married, you have not sin but you can not divorce because of it. So before one gets married, one must figure out if he/she is called to remain single or to married.
My comments:
I learned a lot about being single. I want to stress that this is just a study and in no why do I think I have the gift of singleness. As I read more and more of the sermon, the more and more I notice that it was not my calling. I do not quite agree with Dr. MacArthur say that violence is another word for distress. But he also has study Greek and I have not so I can not say if he is right or not.
Points 1, 2, and 3 are part 1 of the 2 part series. You can read it here. Points 4 and 5 are the second part and you can get that here.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
1 sermon done, 2 or 3 more to go
I just finished with Dr. John MacArthur sermon on 1 Corinthians 7:25-31. It was titled "Reasons for Remaining Single part 1." That means there is also part 2 plus his sermon "To Marry or Not to Marry." Expect something this weekend. I might just post my opinion about Dr. MacArthur's view. It was different then what I was thinking of but still very good stuff. Again more to come.
The More by Downhere
Here is a new song on my Ipod that I have enjoyed listening to, it is by Downhere. The title is called "The More." It does not mention God but it still has great lyrics. ENJOY!
I met You like a little child
Wide-eyed and mystified
That You could love even me
So I'm here to testify
That it's been an amazing ride with You
And I have never walked alone
Wanna give You every moment, every minute
It's takes a lifetime to know You, to know You
And the more You show me, the more You grow me
The more Your glory becomes all there is
And the more I know You, the more I need You
The more I love You, the more You become to me
Fast-forward to the golden years
A smaller pride and a bigger fear
But still, no way are we done yet
I pray that You would keep me mystified,
In every way that I will still abide in You
Till You come to take me home
Wanna give You every moment, every minute
And take a lifetime to know You, to know You
Wanna give You every moment, every minute
I'll take a lifetime to know You
Hold me Lord, keep me
Draw me closer every moment of my life
---------------------------------------------------------
After edit note: This is no might be called "The More." That was a bad editing problem before first post. So as the military says, Carry on.
I met You like a little child
Wide-eyed and mystified
That You could love even me
So I'm here to testify
That it's been an amazing ride with You
And I have never walked alone
Wanna give You every moment, every minute
It's takes a lifetime to know You, to know You
And the more You show me, the more You grow me
The more Your glory becomes all there is
And the more I know You, the more I need You
The more I love You, the more You become to me
Fast-forward to the golden years
A smaller pride and a bigger fear
But still, no way are we done yet
I pray that You would keep me mystified,
In every way that I will still abide in You
Till You come to take me home
Wanna give You every moment, every minute
And take a lifetime to know You, to know You
Wanna give You every moment, every minute
I'll take a lifetime to know You
Hold me Lord, keep me
Draw me closer every moment of my life
---------------------------------------------------------
After edit note: This is no might be called "The More." That was a bad editing problem before first post. So as the military says, Carry on.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Too much to read about singleness.
So I am downloaded all the sermons that Dr. John MacArthur have given on 1 Corinthians 7. Many of you might not have read Dr. MacArthur stuff but it is heavy. There is a lot to read and try to check and discern. I will try and get some read by Friday and post on it but his stuff is really deep. I am also going to find some other stuff by other pastors. More to come.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Is Lack of Male Leadership to blame for Singleness in America?
Okay, I lied a couple of posts ago. I said that I was going to post about what I read from John MacArthur, John Piper, and other pastors. I am going to talk about Debbie Maken "Getting Serious about Getting Married." Chapter 4 was about lack of male leadership. As I want to pass the blame to women, like Adam passing the blame to Eve, She has a point. She used education/independence, lack of leadership in the house, and lack of leadership in the church.
She claims that men want to get more and more schooling to get a good job that they tend to put off marriage until the find the perfect job. Also on the independence side of the house, most men now (to include me) want to remain free to do whatever their heart desires. I am big into getting dirty by camping for days without showers to only be wowed by God's creation. She is right and that kind of upsets me. I see it in my life but also in the life of others. As I start to plan my big European Adventure, it appears that I am the only one going. Just think, 25-30 days traveling around Europe constantly. Only sleeping in hotels once every 3 to 4 days. All other times are sleeping on a train and no one to bug you. Sweetness waiting to happen.
It is not just men but also women who are putting off marriage until they are done with schooling and have a good job. The problem is that most of the time, men and women are looking the perfect job and jump around trying to find it. Debbie thinks it is the fact that most men what women to be independent from men. So women must continue to get educated to stay competitive with men.
I did find out the average age for a woman to get married is 27 and man is 29, just a little fun fact.
The next reason, Maken believes that singleness is higher now is because of a lack of leadership in the home. I completely agree. It was my mom that ran the show in my house and she also held a job to help (and not be independent) raise me and that other person they called my sister (I completely disown her, and my family does not read this blog so I can totally say that). In fact, most of my childhood was without my father in the house. He was always busy with a 2nd job or a church committee meeting. I think this blame goes more to the fathers today than the kids today. The fact that the father is not pushing children to marry like in the good ol' days is as much the church as it is the family. I was never pushed to get married but I also so much shyer than my sister. I notice it today with others I can know.
Hopefully this next topic does go in a different direction then the idea of the post. I truly believe that the church is what is causing the rise of singleness. As a whole (both Biblical and non-biblical) churches have gone away with a talking about marriage. I never heard any messages (or ones that I remember) about marriage until I came to England (hence the name England File if you never knew). The reason I have a string passion about this problem is that churches (if you call them churches) know do not preach from the Bible. Maken uses an example of a pastor that encourage marriage and do not but singleness and marriage on the same playing field. He also knew that some might be called to remain singled. The group this pastor was with, he saw that none of the kids were called to remain single. She wrote:
I would like to note that she claims that feminists are not all the blame. Debbie Maken makes the point that pointing fingers at feminist for producing easy sex that cause marriage to not happen now only "show our own [Christian] hypocrisy." (pg 66) She makes her point by concluding:
She claims that men want to get more and more schooling to get a good job that they tend to put off marriage until the find the perfect job. Also on the independence side of the house, most men now (to include me) want to remain free to do whatever their heart desires. I am big into getting dirty by camping for days without showers to only be wowed by God's creation. She is right and that kind of upsets me. I see it in my life but also in the life of others. As I start to plan my big European Adventure, it appears that I am the only one going. Just think, 25-30 days traveling around Europe constantly. Only sleeping in hotels once every 3 to 4 days. All other times are sleeping on a train and no one to bug you. Sweetness waiting to happen.
It is not just men but also women who are putting off marriage until they are done with schooling and have a good job. The problem is that most of the time, men and women are looking the perfect job and jump around trying to find it. Debbie thinks it is the fact that most men what women to be independent from men. So women must continue to get educated to stay competitive with men.
I did find out the average age for a woman to get married is 27 and man is 29, just a little fun fact.
The next reason, Maken believes that singleness is higher now is because of a lack of leadership in the home. I completely agree. It was my mom that ran the show in my house and she also held a job to help (and not be independent) raise me and that other person they called my sister (I completely disown her, and my family does not read this blog so I can totally say that). In fact, most of my childhood was without my father in the house. He was always busy with a 2nd job or a church committee meeting. I think this blame goes more to the fathers today than the kids today. The fact that the father is not pushing children to marry like in the good ol' days is as much the church as it is the family. I was never pushed to get married but I also so much shyer than my sister. I notice it today with others I can know.
Hopefully this next topic does go in a different direction then the idea of the post. I truly believe that the church is what is causing the rise of singleness. As a whole (both Biblical and non-biblical) churches have gone away with a talking about marriage. I never heard any messages (or ones that I remember) about marriage until I came to England (hence the name England File if you never knew). The reason I have a string passion about this problem is that churches (if you call them churches) know do not preach from the Bible. Maken uses an example of a pastor that encourage marriage and do not but singleness and marriage on the same playing field. He also knew that some might be called to remain singled. The group this pastor was with, he saw that none of the kids were called to remain single. She wrote:
Until the church returns to preaching the superiority of marriage [and the gospel] over the singleness and the duty to marry, and until some of these single (especially the men) start to squirming in their seats and feel the shame that is rightfully theirs to bear if they are refusing to follow God's leading into marriage there will be no substantive improvement in the number of Christian marriages. (pg 75)I think she is completely right because most of the churches that do not teach biblical give topical sermons. Those churches are not biblical and that is what happens when a churches moves away from expositional preaching and go to weak Bible translations for topical sermons with bad understanding.
I would like to note that she claims that feminists are not all the blame. Debbie Maken makes the point that pointing fingers at feminist for producing easy sex that cause marriage to not happen now only "show our own [Christian] hypocrisy." (pg 66) She makes her point by concluding:
If indeed easy sex has deterred single men from marriage, then we need to concede that today's Christians single men in not celibate but is probably a sexually satisfied single. On that basis, why do we insist that 1 Corinthians 7 gives single men some kind of biblical exception to be single? Why aren't these presumably overly sexed single men being disciplined by the church, or even excommunicated [or in the case of Mormonism, you must work your way back to the church so you can work some more to get saved, no of it for the glory of God] for failure to repent for engaging in a sexual outlet other than marriage? Pointing to feminists and easy sex is a convenient distraction from the real problem concerning the formation of Christian marriages. Blaming feminist theory is as untenable as pretending that Adam's silence and the lack of leadership had nothing to do with the fall. (pg 66)I think there was lot to learn as a man. I personal have not shown the leadership needed to become married as I try to figure out what God wants me to do in my life. I think that all men, married and single, need to realize that we need to get on the biblical train and start learning to take a leadership role in the family and not be like Ray from "Everyone Loves Raymond."
My reading List
This is my current reading list. These are books and that I am currently reading or are going to read shortly (like in a couple of months). I guess you can call it my summer reading list. Enjoy.
It is also above my music in case you want to look after this post leaves the home page.
It is also above my music in case you want to look after this post leaves the home page.
Friday, June 20, 2008
The 100th post according to everything except my Dashboard.
A couple of minutes ago, I seat down to do my daily Bible reading. I opened up my Bible and started to shut everything down on my computer. I went over to the chair that is on the other side of my 4'x6' cubical the AF calls a dorm room. Looked at the where I turned to before I would continue to search for 1 Samuel 14. I noticed that I was in Proverbs, so I decide before I read my daily Bible reading, I would read a little Proverbs. It happens to be chapter 8. After I started to read, I felt that God was with me. I am about to do sometime that I do not want to do but have to. I have asked for God's guidance and wisdom. Proverbs 8 is about Wisdom, it also happens to talk about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So I will post all of Proverbs 8 for all to read and I ask that God also speaks to you through his Holy Word. Amen.
Proverbs 8
The Blessings of Wisdom
1 Does not wisdom call?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 "To you, O men, I call,
and my cry is to the children of man.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
and from my lips will come what is right,
7 for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
22 "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields,
or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.
32"And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the LORD,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death."
What a blessing it is to have a God that is living and active. This is the perfect post for #100.
Passage taken from BibleGateway.com.
Proverbs 8
The Blessings of Wisdom
1 Does not wisdom call?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 "To you, O men, I call,
and my cry is to the children of man.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
and from my lips will come what is right,
7 for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
22 "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields,
or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.
32"And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the LORD,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death."
What a blessing it is to have a God that is living and active. This is the perfect post for #100.
Passage taken from BibleGateway.com.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
99th Post
This is the 99th post and I am gearing up for a 100th post text. I have been thinking a lot about a job that I have to apply for. I went for my interview today but it was changed till tomorrow. I am in the running for a job a MOCC (Maintenance Operation Command Center). It is a desk job that requires me to look at a computer screen for 8 hrs. In other words, I will become a AWACS flier that never flies, like Kyle (Read My Mind...). I do not want the job because of the lost of TDY money that I can get. A benefit of the job is time to study the Word and do homework. The biggest problem I have is standing still for so long. When I was on leave last May, my biggest problem with my leave was the fact that I was not occupied the whole time. I need to some thing to stay busy. I feel that the MOCC job will not keep my occupied long enough.
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Listening to: Until the Nets are Full w/ Chris Salter - Awake by Mark Cahill
via FoxyTunes
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Listening to: Until the Nets are Full w/ Chris Salter - Awake by Mark Cahill
via FoxyTunes
Lean on God.
I am really pumping out the blogs this morning. I just finished my blog about the weather in the Midwest which I start to write 6 days ago. This is blog #98 and I come close to my 100th blog post.
I want to talk about a friend which I think needs our prayer. I have been reading a friends blog and I have noticed that this person has not leaned on God or trusted him through a process which might seem hard. This friend is adding stress that God can handle when we trust it to him. I think we need to understand that God is much bigger than anything we can do. We must trust in the Lord and lean on him. As I have slowly learned is that the more you lean on God to help, the more in control the situation is. We can not control others and their actions, but we can pray and lean on God to help because can. What my friend needs to realize is that this is all a test that my friend needs to read the Bible and pray. God always has an escape route from these test. All we need to do and trust him that everything will work out. I am not saying that my friend will always have a better life by trusting God, but when problems come up trusting God will allow us to come closer to him and figure out other parts of his will.
Let us try and trust the Lord with our problems and lean on his knowledge and not our own.
I want to talk about a friend which I think needs our prayer. I have been reading a friends blog and I have noticed that this person has not leaned on God or trusted him through a process which might seem hard. This friend is adding stress that God can handle when we trust it to him. I think we need to understand that God is much bigger than anything we can do. We must trust in the Lord and lean on him. As I have slowly learned is that the more you lean on God to help, the more in control the situation is. We can not control others and their actions, but we can pray and lean on God to help because can. What my friend needs to realize is that this is all a test that my friend needs to read the Bible and pray. God always has an escape route from these test. All we need to do and trust him that everything will work out. I am not saying that my friend will always have a better life by trusting God, but when problems come up trusting God will allow us to come closer to him and figure out other parts of his will.
Let us try and trust the Lord with our problems and lean on his knowledge and not our own.
A curse
As I continue to make my way to 100 posts. I think it is time to talking about the curse that has crippled the Midwest. As I am from the Midwest and my town has also been hit by this weather. As my hometown was hit by a couple of tornadoes, one hit my parent's home. My family is fine and damage was little because it was an F-1.
So why do I call this a curse? I call it a curse because of the fall of Adam. This is God's curse on the earth because of sin. Everything was perfect before the fall of man. Animals got a long and there was no death and destruction. Now the curse of the weather might be from Noah’s Days because it does not seem that there was any water before hand. It was started because the people were being sinful in the eyes of God. We are equal or more sinful now and we even think that we are good enough to get to Heaven. God is destroying home and killing people to demonstrate his power.
I want to claim that I DO NOT think that God is trying to destroy a certain group or groups of people from the Midwest. Why would God destroy certain type of people when ALL HAVE FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD and all require to see God’s wrath against them (including me)? It really does not make sense to me why people will think that, i.e. Hurricane Katrina. I think we need to realize that God is bigger then what we think. I heard a preacher (I think it was RC Sproul) once say that death is not a normal. Death was not part of original plan. Also, we do not know what God is trying to do.
We also must remember that all things are done for the glory of God and these storms are no exception. I was on NBC News website and watch Ann from the Today Show interview 2 Boy Scouts. Although the boys were humble, saying that they do not think that they are heroes, they are in the eyes of other Boy Scouts. I think that we can see that those boys are a product of God's plan. I would guess that the lost would have been more if those Boy Scouts would not acted as they did. Being a fellow Boy Scout/Eagle Scout, I see that they acted as a Boy Scout would. While in Boy Scouts, I learned everything that the military teaches us what we need to do while in the middle of a giant sandbox. So though I think that this weather a curse, God still has a plan to use his own curse on this earth for a good cause.
So as we wait and see, lets remember that God is in control of the situation and everything he is doing is for his glory alone.
----------------
Listening to: Way of the Master Radio - May 28, 2008 - Hour 1
via FoxyTunes
So why do I call this a curse? I call it a curse because of the fall of Adam. This is God's curse on the earth because of sin. Everything was perfect before the fall of man. Animals got a long and there was no death and destruction. Now the curse of the weather might be from Noah’s Days because it does not seem that there was any water before hand. It was started because the people were being sinful in the eyes of God. We are equal or more sinful now and we even think that we are good enough to get to Heaven. God is destroying home and killing people to demonstrate his power.
I want to claim that I DO NOT think that God is trying to destroy a certain group or groups of people from the Midwest. Why would God destroy certain type of people when ALL HAVE FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD and all require to see God’s wrath against them (including me)? It really does not make sense to me why people will think that, i.e. Hurricane Katrina. I think we need to realize that God is bigger then what we think. I heard a preacher (I think it was RC Sproul) once say that death is not a normal. Death was not part of original plan. Also, we do not know what God is trying to do.
We also must remember that all things are done for the glory of God and these storms are no exception. I was on NBC News website and watch Ann from the Today Show interview 2 Boy Scouts. Although the boys were humble, saying that they do not think that they are heroes, they are in the eyes of other Boy Scouts. I think that we can see that those boys are a product of God's plan. I would guess that the lost would have been more if those Boy Scouts would not acted as they did. Being a fellow Boy Scout/Eagle Scout, I see that they acted as a Boy Scout would. While in Boy Scouts, I learned everything that the military teaches us what we need to do while in the middle of a giant sandbox. So though I think that this weather a curse, God still has a plan to use his own curse on this earth for a good cause.
So as we wait and see, lets remember that God is in control of the situation and everything he is doing is for his glory alone.
----------------
Listening to: Way of the Master Radio - May 28, 2008 - Hour 1
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Singleness: Is it a gift or what God wants from Everyone?
As I post my first post about this topic about singleness. I am actually working on a post about the giant curse that the true upper Midwest is going through. But as I read a book call "Getting Serious about Getting Married" by Debbie Maken, I have started to try and understand blog about it. Her writing about marriage and how through out the difference ages, marriage has been slowly moving away from what it was and that singleness is now being taught as it is the same as marriage. She claims that marriage was a big deal back in the good ol' days (my quote, not hers). She said that only a couple of generations ago, marriage was still a big deal and people would be "weird" (again my quote) if they were not married. It is this (my) generation where it is not so. The reason she quotes was that people considered it a sin to not maximize a female total time to reproduce. That just seems weird to me. The Puritans made singles live with families until ready and it was illegal to not get married. Also she blames parents for not finding a suitable husband or wife for their children.
As I learn more and more about how my great-great-great-great-grandparents thought of marriage, the question is still raised, how do I know that singleness is my calling? She used 1 Cor. 7 to justify her answer of singleness be a calling and not something that we should do. She claims that Paul would be destroying God's idea of marriage if everyone would be single. I tend to believe that Paul is telling us to remain single unless you completely desire to marry. Debbie says that only in a few cases is some called to remain single like Paul. These people (and maybe lucky people based on Kyle's wedding) would be like Paul and could not support having a family because of there constant traveling and starting churches. She says that most singles that do a lot of mission work can not use this reason because it is either local mission or only a couple of weeks in a foreign country. As I understand her reason, I feel that it is not quite right when I reread 1 Cor. 7. So hopefully, God willing, I am going to read a couple sermons from John Piper, John MacArthur, and others to find what Paul was talking about. More about that in the next single blog.
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Listening to: Scott Krippayne - May I Have This Dance
via FoxyTunes
As I learn more and more about how my great-great-great-great-grandparents thought of marriage, the question is still raised, how do I know that singleness is my calling? She used 1 Cor. 7 to justify her answer of singleness be a calling and not something that we should do. She claims that Paul would be destroying God's idea of marriage if everyone would be single. I tend to believe that Paul is telling us to remain single unless you completely desire to marry. Debbie says that only in a few cases is some called to remain single like Paul. These people (and maybe lucky people based on Kyle's wedding) would be like Paul and could not support having a family because of there constant traveling and starting churches. She says that most singles that do a lot of mission work can not use this reason because it is either local mission or only a couple of weeks in a foreign country. As I understand her reason, I feel that it is not quite right when I reread 1 Cor. 7. So hopefully, God willing, I am going to read a couple sermons from John Piper, John MacArthur, and others to find what Paul was talking about. More about that in the next single blog.
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Listening to: Scott Krippayne - May I Have This Dance
via FoxyTunes
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Another pray request
I would all to pray for my friend Brendan Lebsack. He is currently in Uganda serving with the Navs in a college ministry. There has not been any problems that I now of but he is always in need for prayer. Pray that his ministry glories God and advances God's plan. You can read about what God has been doing on his blog at brendanlebsack.blogspot.com. His blog is titled, The Established Steps of Brendan - Proverbs 16:9. Thanks all.
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Listening to: Shades Of Green - How Sweet Is Heaven
via FoxyTunes
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Listening to: Shades Of Green - How Sweet Is Heaven
via FoxyTunes
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Singleness a Study to waste time.
I have been noticing that a lot of people that I know are getting married. So I have been thinking a lot about my singleness and will I ever get married. Good thing for me, I have lots of time to read and study (but will I is the question). I am currently reading a book by Debbie Maken called "Getting Serious about Getting Married." There are questions in the back that I might address in this blog series. I am going to actually tag these post so people can follow (all of the 1 reader that is called Me). So I want to start out so people know where I can coming from. I am a single Christian guy, with an anti-social problem that rival most monks, who lives in a 4x8 ft white box that the government calls a dorm room. I spent nearly to much time searching the internet. I am going to start looking for an apartment so I can be a least free of room inspections. I actually should be doing my AMT homework. I am looking to do something really big for my 100th post. Leave a comment of an ideas.
Also, there is a new ESV Study Bible coming out in October. But through Sovereign Grace Ministry website, you can pre-order now and save 35% on also donate 5% to Sovereign Grace Ministry. More info here. I use the ESV because of the accurate current English that is uses. I have notice that most of the time, it is really close to the KJV but in modern English. Read the website for more info.
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Listening to: Scott Krippayne - I Am Jesus
via FoxyTunes
Also, there is a new ESV Study Bible coming out in October. But through Sovereign Grace Ministry website, you can pre-order now and save 35% on also donate 5% to Sovereign Grace Ministry. More info here. I use the ESV because of the accurate current English that is uses. I have notice that most of the time, it is really close to the KJV but in modern English. Read the website for more info.
----------------
Listening to: Scott Krippayne - I Am Jesus
via FoxyTunes
E-sword Live
There was a program that I used on my windows laptop. I can not use the program on my Mac because it is made for a Mac. Went to the site today to see if there was a Mac version. They was no luck but I did find that they have a live internet site. It is called E-sword Live. It is a Bible software program that is now available online. It has different tools that can help. You can also select different version. You have to register but I think it is worth it. It also has some word study and Bible dictionaries. I just got my account so I am playing with it right now.
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Listening to: href="http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/sovereign+grace+music/track/before+the+cross">Sovereign Grace Music - Before the Cross
via FoxyTunes
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Listening to: href="http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/sovereign+grace+music/track/before+the+cross">Sovereign Grace Music - Before the Cross
via FoxyTunes
Saturday, June 7, 2008
A debate on Facebook.
This week I went a group of profession Christians to see what people where talking about. A topic title is "Chew on this theory...." and it is about once saved always saved. The person that started the post does not believe in any assurance of salvation so I choose to step in and debate the issue. After I had use the verses I know that would prove that he was not correct in his theology. My next step was to research the verses the others used and see if they are in context of the Bible. I found out that there not is context. The next part is the clarification of 2 verses that were used. This is a longer post.
Chew on this theory....
I have studied this topic of once saved always. Using what I already know, sermons by Dr. MacArthur (gty.org) and Dr. Piper (desiringgod.org), and a book called “Way of the Master” by Ray Comfort. I ask that you pray before you continue reading for God to help you discern/judge what I am saying. All verses that do not have the initials behind are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
I am going to first example why the verses you used are incorrect and using hermeneutics and different sermons try to find the correct meaning.
The first verse I grabbed was Galatians 5:3-4; “I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” In the beginning of verse 3, Paul said that he was testifying again. What is Paul testifying again? He is testifying verse 2, “Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.” Paul made the effort to say that if you must obey one part of the law you must follow the whole law. The problem that Paul is addressing was legalism that the Judaizers were brought into the church at Galatia.
John Piper (desiringgod.org) says “The problem with the Judaizers was that they wanted to cash in on Christ's profit, but only by making investments with him from their own moral assets. And Paul says that if you try to earn dividends from Christ from your own investment of circumcision or dietary rules or feast days, Christ will profit you nothing. Why? Because all the spiritual and physical benefits Christ gives are dividends paid from his own investment at Calvary. When the Son of God died for our sins, the moral assets which he invested in the bank of God's glory were so great that the dividends are infinite, endless, and available to all who . . . who what? Verse 2 says: Christ's profits are not yours if you try to earn them with your own investments. Why? Because that dishonors Christ, nullifies grace (2:21), and removes the stumbling block of the cross (5:11). We exalt the cross and grace and Christ when we admit we have no assets to invest, and that Christ's investment at Calvary was totally sufficient to win free dividends of righteousness and life for all who trust him. So verse 2 teaches that slavery is when you reject Christ as the merciful benefactor who gives us freely a share in his endless profit. Slavery is when you choose to deal with him as a banker who needs your investment to produce dividends for his customers.”
Paul continues to say that the legalism would “severed” (ESV) or “is become of no effect unto you” (KJV). Both words in this case means “of separation” and the Greek word is “apo” (Blueletterbible.org). So the people that believe in legalism are separated from Jesus. This separation from Jesus requires them to meet the requirements of the law, the same law that Jesus over came at Calvary. The law must justify them on judgment day and this is why they no longer had grace. Paul says is Romans 11:6, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” In other words, if I have to fulfill the law, I am no longer under God’s covenant of grace.
Hebrews 6:4-6 says, “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”
John MacArthur sermon series called “ The Tragedy of Rejecting Full Revlation” talks about Hebrews 5:11-6:12. In the second part of the series, is about 6:1-8. When Dr. MacArthur writes about verses 4-6, he says:
Hebrews 5-11-6:12 is talking about Jews who know about Christ but yet still cling to the Jewish religion and will not abandoned their religion to follow Christ and be saved. In today’s world, it would be someone who goes to church and never repented and believe in Christ. He knows about Christ but has not accepted the teachings.
I am going to stop here with showing you the context of the verses you use because I feel that going continuing might hurt someone. Looking at what Dr. MacArthur wrote, I seem clear for me that I can have assurance in my salvation and that is what this debate is about. The problem that had showed up on other side of the debate was the difference of salvation by grace and salvation by works. Robby, Danielle and, Robert, based on what you wrote, all of you believe in a salvation by works. I must work to continue to remain in God. The problem with that is that all works are like dirty garments. Isaiah wrote in chapter 64 verse 6, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” So according to God’s Holy word, no matter what I do, I cannot save myself. Paul writes in Galatians 2:16, “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Also, God knows the intention of my heart and all of it is evil. God will judge us on his moral law, a moral law that no one has kept because of our sinful nature from birth. That moral law is the 10 commandments (Matthew 5:17-37) and all of our deeds will be judged based on that law. The only person in history who has kept the 10 commandments was Jesus Christ. God used his son, Jesus, to save our souls but making his own Son sin for us. The Bible says that we must repent (Luke 13:1-5) and believe (Acts 16:31-34) in Jesus to be saved.
My heart goes out at all because of the seriousness of the difference of salvation. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 5:3-4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” That is the message I give to you today. Repent and believe in the one that can save you.
----------------
Listening to: Casting Crowns - Love Them Like Jesus
via FoxyTunes
----------------
Listening to: The Joslin Grove Choral Society - Softly And Tenderly
via FoxyTunes
Chew on this theory....
I have studied this topic of once saved always. Using what I already know, sermons by Dr. MacArthur (gty.org) and Dr. Piper (desiringgod.org), and a book called “Way of the Master” by Ray Comfort. I ask that you pray before you continue reading for God to help you discern/judge what I am saying. All verses that do not have the initials behind are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
I am going to first example why the verses you used are incorrect and using hermeneutics and different sermons try to find the correct meaning.
The first verse I grabbed was Galatians 5:3-4; “I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” In the beginning of verse 3, Paul said that he was testifying again. What is Paul testifying again? He is testifying verse 2, “Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.” Paul made the effort to say that if you must obey one part of the law you must follow the whole law. The problem that Paul is addressing was legalism that the Judaizers were brought into the church at Galatia.
John Piper (desiringgod.org) says “The problem with the Judaizers was that they wanted to cash in on Christ's profit, but only by making investments with him from their own moral assets. And Paul says that if you try to earn dividends from Christ from your own investment of circumcision or dietary rules or feast days, Christ will profit you nothing. Why? Because all the spiritual and physical benefits Christ gives are dividends paid from his own investment at Calvary. When the Son of God died for our sins, the moral assets which he invested in the bank of God's glory were so great that the dividends are infinite, endless, and available to all who . . . who what? Verse 2 says: Christ's profits are not yours if you try to earn them with your own investments. Why? Because that dishonors Christ, nullifies grace (2:21), and removes the stumbling block of the cross (5:11). We exalt the cross and grace and Christ when we admit we have no assets to invest, and that Christ's investment at Calvary was totally sufficient to win free dividends of righteousness and life for all who trust him. So verse 2 teaches that slavery is when you reject Christ as the merciful benefactor who gives us freely a share in his endless profit. Slavery is when you choose to deal with him as a banker who needs your investment to produce dividends for his customers.”
Paul continues to say that the legalism would “severed” (ESV) or “is become of no effect unto you” (KJV). Both words in this case means “of separation” and the Greek word is “apo” (Blueletterbible.org). So the people that believe in legalism are separated from Jesus. This separation from Jesus requires them to meet the requirements of the law, the same law that Jesus over came at Calvary. The law must justify them on judgment day and this is why they no longer had grace. Paul says is Romans 11:6, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” In other words, if I have to fulfill the law, I am no longer under God’s covenant of grace.
Hebrews 6:4-6 says, “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”
John MacArthur sermon series called “ The Tragedy of Rejecting Full Revlation” talks about Hebrews 5:11-6:12. In the second part of the series, is about 6:1-8. When Dr. MacArthur writes about verses 4-6, he says:
“This is a very serious warning, and the warning is simply this. You had better come to Christ; for, if you fall away, it will be impossible to renew you again to the point where you've repented...That's the issue. Now, some people say it proves you can lose your salvation; but as I've been saying all along, it's not even talking to Christians at all here. In fact, those brothers in Christ who would teach us that it proves you can lose your salvation have got some real problems. Because if that teaches you can lose it, it also teaches you can't get it back again; 'cause it says, "If you fall away, it is impossible to renew you to repentance.
So I daresay you would not wanna assign this to believers who could lose their salvation. For once lost, would be damned forever if interpreted that way. So we must, in the context, see that he's talking to these on the...on the verge of commitment to Christ; and let me say that there is no need for the believer ever to fear that he'll lose his salvation. None at all. The Bible is so absolutely clear about that. John chapter 10 comes to mind, and verse 27. "My sheep hear My voice. I know them. They follow Me. I give unto them eternal life. They shall never perish. Neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, who gave them to Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one." Now you try to get anybody out of that... " (gty.org)
Hebrews 5-11-6:12 is talking about Jews who know about Christ but yet still cling to the Jewish religion and will not abandoned their religion to follow Christ and be saved. In today’s world, it would be someone who goes to church and never repented and believe in Christ. He knows about Christ but has not accepted the teachings.
I am going to stop here with showing you the context of the verses you use because I feel that going continuing might hurt someone. Looking at what Dr. MacArthur wrote, I seem clear for me that I can have assurance in my salvation and that is what this debate is about. The problem that had showed up on other side of the debate was the difference of salvation by grace and salvation by works. Robby, Danielle and, Robert, based on what you wrote, all of you believe in a salvation by works. I must work to continue to remain in God. The problem with that is that all works are like dirty garments. Isaiah wrote in chapter 64 verse 6, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” So according to God’s Holy word, no matter what I do, I cannot save myself. Paul writes in Galatians 2:16, “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Also, God knows the intention of my heart and all of it is evil. God will judge us on his moral law, a moral law that no one has kept because of our sinful nature from birth. That moral law is the 10 commandments (Matthew 5:17-37) and all of our deeds will be judged based on that law. The only person in history who has kept the 10 commandments was Jesus Christ. God used his son, Jesus, to save our souls but making his own Son sin for us. The Bible says that we must repent (Luke 13:1-5) and believe (Acts 16:31-34) in Jesus to be saved.
My heart goes out at all because of the seriousness of the difference of salvation. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 5:3-4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” That is the message I give to you today. Repent and believe in the one that can save you.
----------------
Listening to: Casting Crowns - Love Them Like Jesus
via FoxyTunes
----------------
Listening to: The Joslin Grove Choral Society - Softly And Tenderly
via FoxyTunes
Friday, June 6, 2008
Hebrews 6:1-2
I am reading a sermon done by John MacArthur. It is on Hebrews 6:1-8 and is for a debate about once saved always saved. As I do not personal believe in once saved always saved, the doctrine I am on is an assurance of salvation. The sermon is called "The Tragedy of Rejecting Full Revelation." It is a series on Hebrews 5:10-6:12. I am reading part 2 on 6:1-8. I am learning a lot about the what the writer of Hebrews is saying. It appears that this part of Hebrews is written to Jews who know about Christ but need to move on and believe in Christ. They know Christ because of the Old Testament. Dr. MacArthur says that the Jews need to abandoned their Jewish learning and start to believe in Christ. It is really interesting and I am only 1/3 of the way done with the sermon. The link to the sermon is here.
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Listening to: Superchick - Wishes
via FoxyTunes
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Listening to: Superchick - Wishes
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Ely Boys Choir
The Ely Cathedral has a Boy's Choir and here is a video of them singing in the Chapel this past Sunday. The sound quality is not great.
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Listening to: Way of the Master Radio - May 21, 2008 - Hour 1
via FoxyTunes
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Listening to: Way of the Master Radio - May 21, 2008 - Hour 1
via FoxyTunes
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